Classroom

I have been working my BUTT off on my new classroom (shoulda taken before pics) but it is practically finished and the monsters come on Monday!! I am super excited. Here's to a good year!

the job

I am fortunate enough to be employed at the Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind and am a proud Bulldog despite being a faculty member for only 2 weeks... I can't believe the warmth and support that I have received in my induction here and am truly excited to begin this journey with my 3 and 4 year old students. They have tested my courage and allegiance with a terrifying ropes course and my endurance with 2 weeks of 11 hour days. But I have a great paraprofessional and an amazing admin staff..
That being said... I am slightly terrified and exhausted and the kids haven't even arrived yet. This preschool program has been in duress for the past few years and they are thankful to have a certified teacher of the Deaf as an addition to their early childhood program... but as only a 4th year teacher and having experience only in the areas of science and english I am not sure that I am the savior that they have made me out to be. I have also been entrusted with the "early years" program which is a support/resource program for parents of young Deaf children that need support and that gives them ideas and companionship... it is such an amazing concept and I am nothing but proud to not only be apart of it, but run it... it is flattering... and OVERWHELMING.
I only hope that I have the strength to meet these parents and children where they need me to be... to be the teacher and shoulder to these families that I feel is my calling...
I am excited and scared to be a part of this endeavor... but what other feelings would be necessary?....
faith?

Page High School Reunion

I can't believe that I am old enough to have been to my 10 year high school reunion. The years have flown by but it was so great to see everyone. I am not sure why I thought it would be fine to plan this event from Boston and during all of our life changes in moving out west. I tend to pile things on... when you are crazy busy, what is one more little thing right? ha... There was quite a bit more involved in this little weekend gathering than I originally thought but after a few minor hiccups, I think that it turned into a great time. I loved seeing old friends (who still look amazing) and their little families. It is wonderful to see the people you have grown up with all grown up and being such great parents. We had a gathering at the Marriott patio on Friday evening, a family beach day on Saturday and then the dinner that night at a great sushi place in town.
Here are some of the highlights of the weekend from the PHS class of '99

Mikinzie Ella Scott

I am an auntie again to another beautiful little girl. Mikinzie (miki.... kinzie) Ella was born on July 15th and came into this world with gusto!!! Bree had an amazing labor and birth and only pushed 5 times! Bree has had her share of horrible pregnancies and births and totally deserved a great experience! Mike and I went down to see her and her big sisters for a week and WHAT A SWEETHEART!! She is so little and cute and just STOLE MY HEART. I love all of my girls and am so glad to add my little Miki Lou to the family. Here are some pictures of my newest love...

homeless

So we are on about week 3 of our wandering ways... week one consisted of the actual move/drive from Boston to CO Springs, week 2 was my 10 year high school reunion prep and execution (stay tuned for pictures) and week 3 has been baby excitement with the birth of my sister Bree's 3rd child Mikinzie Ella Scott (also to be posted later)
I am so blessed and excited to have all of these amazing places to visit and events to be taking place.... I just can't help but feel just the slightest bit homeless.
We did not even unpack boxes in the new apt. before we departed. We were in my childhood home for one whole week but half of that was out on the lake. Now Mike and I are in a hotel in Mesa ( to help out with taking the older girls off of Bree's hands)and I feel like I am floating from place to place.
We will be "home" in CO on Sunday and although I am excited to be settled... it doesn't quite feel like going home just yet... :o(

Where do we live???
Phoenix??



Page??



The Springs??

In the new place

So we are officially in our new place in the Springs. The apartment is... well will be cute!! Right now it is an explosion of boxes and bags... I wish I had the time to spruce it up before we are off again but sadly that isn't the case. We have just today and then leave tomorrow for Grand Junction, then Page for the reunion and then down to Phoenix to see Bree's new baby (we are hoping she waits for us to get there!!)
so here are some pics and a video of the new place. I especially love the view from our porch and Meli loves all the new space to race around!!

first leg

First leg of our trip
Woburn to Erie then on to Effingham.....

Effingham might be the worst place ever... I'm just saying haha